■Shinkai 6500's Mission With its superior diving capabilities and maneuverability, the Shinkai 6500 is capable of carrying out the following operations: (1) Surveys and observations down to a maximum depth of 6,500 m. (2) One researcher may board the Shinkai 6500 and use various instruments, equipment, and payload. (3) The standard dive time (from descent to ascent) is 8 hours. (4) The Shinkai 6500 can navigate along the bottom or hold its position at a constant depth for visual observation, and to capture videotape and still photos. (5) In inclined areas, it is standard procedure to navigate from the deeper part to shallower parts. (6) Using its manipulator and grabber, Shinkai 6500 can collect samples and install observation instruments.